Incheon, Sep 24 (IANS): An upbeat Indian men's hockey team, buoyed by successive high-scoring wins against Sri Lanka and Oman, will aim to maintain its unbeaten status against arch rivals Pakistan in an eagerly awaited Asian Games contest at the Soenhak Hockey Stadium here Thursday.

Both teams are on six points having won their respective first two matches of their pool. India thrashed Sri Lanka 8-0 and pummelled Oman 7-0. Pakistan trounced Sri lanka 14-0 and downed China 2-0.

Indian captain Sardar Singh spoke of the team's determination to win ahead of the high-voltage clash against Pakistan.

"Playing against Pakistan is an experience that every player looks forward to, it will be the second time in Asian Games that I will be playing against them and I am sure that it will be a challenging battle for us. The whole team is excited and ready to take them on,” Sardar said.

The Indian team's chief coach Terry Walsh pointed out the keenness among players for such a contest.

"The match will be keenly contested. We need to display what we have developed over recent months and keep the free-running playing Style of Pakistan in check," he said. "Equally we will need to play with discipline and cunning against a formidable opponent. This is a contest we are very keen to play.”

India go into the match enjoying the comfort of beating Pakistan 3-2 in the 2010 Asian Games. India play their last group stage match against China Saturday.